A German-based non-governmental organization (NGO), On The Move e.V., operating in the Volta Region has officially inaugurated Home of Brains, a rehabilitation and training centre for persons living with mental illness.
The modern facility sited in Aflao, capital of Ketu South Municipality is to give counseling, vocational/technical training, soft and social skills and rehabilitation to persons with mental health challenges free of charge.
The project which is the third initiative of the Organization is to take affected persons through 3 to 6 months rehabilitation process before discharging them. It is also aimed at discouraging stigmatization and discrimination of persons with mental illness and their families.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Rick Wolthusen, a Medical Doctor and Country Director, On The Move e.V.-Ghana, said over 300 persons had been treated over the past years and currently, eight patients have been admitted and will undergo their services.
He however, expressed worry over how mental illness is on the rise in the country yet less attention is being given to it.
“Mental illness is on the rise with more than 3 million affected Ghanaians and yet, looking at the Ghanaian health sector, with just three psychiatric hospitals (Accra, Pantang and Ankaful) and public perception of mental illness, one must come to the conclusion that mental health is still neglected for far too long.”
He appealed to the general public for substantial support for the Organisation to create a better world for recovered persons and not only to anticipate benefits from it.
“The community members should not only ask what the facility can do for them but also what they can do for Home of Brains and their communities.”
Deputy Director of Nursing Service, Volta Region Health Directorate, Vivian Nutassey, who toured the facility applauded the move and gave assurance of local partnership to Home of Brains.
The NGO’s initiatives in the region include: “Brain Awareness and Brain Cycles” project in 2015, renovation of Denu Health Centre and other forms of support to the Ketu South Municipal Hospital among others since 2012.
By: Albert Kuzor/voltaonlinegh.com